The International Passive House Association

Distinction for the world's first Passive House Plus

New certification category takes into account generation of energy

A new chapter in energy efficient construction has begun with the certification of a single-family home in southern Germany as the world's first Passive House Plus. The innovative concept of this house combines the tried and tested advantages of the Passive House Standard with the generation of renewable energy on-site or near the building. A Passive House Plus thus constitutes an ideal contribution to climate protection. The clearly defined criteria from the Passive House Institute simultaneously provide reliable guidance for every building owner. Press Release

Call for Papers: International Passive House Conference 2016

Forum for energy efficient construction returns to Darmstadt on its anniversary

Darmstadt. Big anniversary for the International Passive House Conference: from 22 to 23 April 2016 this central event for energy efficient construction will take place for the twentieth time running. Experts from around the world can now submit their abstracts. A special focus of the event will be on cost-effective systems for home ventilation, but contributions on built projects and innovative concepts are also highly welcome. The conference takes place in Darmstadt – the city in Germany, in which the first Passive House was built in 1991 and where the first international experts' conference on this subject was held five years later. More information / Press Release

Crowdfunding campaign for EnerPHit retrofit in Greece

Passive House Institute will offer free quality assurance and certification

One very active part of the Greek economy is the Passive House community. In the face of the financial crisis, it is very hard to get funding from banks, though. IPHA partners in Greece have therefore started a crowdfunding campaign for a retrofit project in Athens. The Passive House Institute will assist with free quality assurance and certification. In addition, Wolfgang Feist has offered his personal support: for every Euro that is donated to this campaign from outside Greece, he will add a second Euro (maximum 7.500 Euro) from his private savings. Details on the "Passivistas" campaign

Architecture book presents "Passive House Award" winners

Documentation of the competition also available as a travelling exhibition

A new book showcasing the winners and finalists of the international Passive House Award shows that energy efficient construction is not only profitable, it is also an enrichment for architecture. The book is available in a bound version and in digital form as an online flipbook. In addition, all of the award-winning buildings are presented in a poster exhibition. Press Release

New categories for certification of Passive House buildings

Evaluation of efficiency according to renewable primary energy system

Renewable energy is the ideal complement to the efficiency of the Passive House Standard. In order to provide reliable guidance for this combination, the Passive House Institute introduces two new categories for its building certification; in addition to the established Passive House Classic, there will be the Passive House Plus and Passive House Premium classes. A new evaluation procedure which also considers energy generation by the building itself will serve as a basis for this. The exact certification criteria and calculation details according to the renewable primary energy (PER) system are available on the online resource Passipedia. Press Release

Building efficiency is key to a sustainable energy future

Passive House Conference demonstrates potential of new builds and retrofits

Energy efficient construction has never been so easy – due to the increasing availability of suitable components. The key focus at the International Passive House Conference 2015 in Leipzig was on the latest developments in this area. Experts from around the world presented the enormous savings potential of certified windows, insulation systems and ventilation systems, and demonstrated their practical implementation. The lectures on 17 and 18 April clarified the importance of well-conceived and consistent action in the building sector for a successful transition to a sustainable energy future. Press Release / Conference Review

3-D design tool for PHPP

iPHA members get a discount

Pair PHPP8 with the new designPH SketchUP plugin for an entirely new planning experience. With 3-D data entry allowing for the automated or user-defined detection of the building envelope, floor area and shading, filling out the PHPP has never been easier... or more fun! iPHA members receive a substantial discount! Read more | Order your copy

Active for more comfort: Passive House

New edition now available!

With worldwide distribution, Active for more comfort: Passive House, is a classic work presented in the lobbies of countless Passive House professionals. Nowmore international than ever, this edition includes clear explanations of Passive House basics along with brand new material on topics such as: